Here at Marketing Zen, we’re pretty much obsessed – we eat, breathe, and sleep online marketing, and absolutely love what we do! So it’s only natural that we’d want to share the fun with the next generation. Our internship program gives college students the chance to dip their toes into the waters of web marketing, and learn valuable skills to help them land their dream jobs when they enter the workforce.

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Trahan, one of our promising young SEO/outreach marketing interns. We’ll let Ben tell you himself how he’s enjoyed the experience.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Benjamin Trahan. I went to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. My major was English with a concentration in Journalism.

2. What is something unusual about you that makes you unique?

I think one of my greatest strengths is I like to stay up on what’s trending in the world right now.

3. Why did you apply for a marketing internship with MZ?

I applied for an internship with MZ because I was interested in honing my writing skills as well as hopefully learning a few new skills that I could hopefully use later on in my journalism career.

4. Tell us a little about what you did as an intern for the SEO and Outreach Department at MZ.

I mostly helped with updating social media bookmarks or SBM’s and occasionally helped with outreach or writing guest posts.

5. How do you feel about working virtually?

I loved it. It was perfect for me with my schedule. I worked another job so it was nice to have that freedom that I wouldn’t have got with a non-virtual internship.

6. What has been your favorite part of your internship?

I really liked the feeling you get when you write a post and someone agrees to publish it. It just makes you feel like you can actually do this. It’s one thing to hear your family and friends say you’re a good writer, it’s another thing to hear that people who are making a living in the industry are willing to take a chance on you and your writing.

7. What has been the most challenging part of your internship?

I would say trying to do it and my job. While I did have a lot of flexibility as far as deadlines, it was still hard to come home from a long day at work and then have to devote an hour or so to an assignment on top of that.

8. What do you feel is the most important thing you’ve learned from your internship? Why is this the most important thing to you?

I feel that the most important thing I learned from this internship is not to fear rejection. If someone turns down a piece, then you shouldn’t feel like everybody else will turn down that same piece. It’s important to believe in yourself and your abilities as a writer. That was something I struggled with for a while. I believed rejection was the same as someone saying my writing was no good. I learned that all rejection really is a way of helping further motivate someone to try harder and get you to deliver them your absolute best.

9. Now that you’ve had a glimpse into the world of online marketing, do you have any new insights into how it works? Any comments or opinions you’d like to share about the industry?

Yes, I never knew that so much work went into getting your company known. It’s a very tricky process filled with hurdles and obstacles to overcome. Yet, if you truly love what you do, believe in it and want to share it with as many others as you can, I think you will discover that online marketing is a great tool in building both an awareness and following of the services you offer.

10. How was your experience with your co-workers and supervisors?

Great. They were totally open to my crazy schedule. Plus, it really is like working there. You never feel like an intern. No one talks to you like an intern or a lesser. They all have tremendous respect for whatever skills you may bring to the table.

11. What are your plans for your future? What’s your dream job? How do you feel your marketing internship with MZ will help you achieve those goals?

Right now, I’m taking a little break and then I’m going to start searching for a second internship so I can add even more experience to my resume. My dream job would be to be a famous movie critic. Honestly, I think I can take a lot of the things I learned here and continue to hone them in my next internship. Then, I can apply those skills to whatever job I end up doing.

12. Do you have any advice to share with future MZ interns, or with those applying for this position?

I would say two things. First, make sure an online internship is the best choice for you. Just be aware that like anything it comes with its own pro’s and con’s. Second, believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to be told no because it’s going to happen. The best thing to do is realize that every no is a chance for improvement.

Are you interested an internship at Marketing Zen? Click here for more information! We’d love to have you on board!